Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is an iconic Christmas TV special. I especially enjoy the scene when the Grinch realizes that Christmas is not about consumerism. As the book poetically says, “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
The gifts and festivities of the season can be fun and enchanting, but we can also long for a simpler celebration that focuses on Christ. He is the reason for the season, not the items wrapped in pretty paper.
So, if we feel tired of the consumerism and hectic schedules of Christmas, how can we simplify our celebrations? The following points are ideas to reduce the stress of the holiday to instead spend time with our Savior, who came to rescue us and who is coming again.
1. Reduce the Number of Gifts
I remember as a kid that receiving presents was my central focus on Christmas. As I grew older and became a follower of Jesus, my enthusiasm for presents waned. While receiving a gift from a loved one or friend can serve as a gesture of love, which I appreciate, I find myself aware of the hazard of accumulating items I do not need.
Especially since we live in a society of abundance and excess, reducing the number of presents we give to family and friends during Christmas can help us refocus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Not only will limiting our gift purchases release us from the obsession with materialism, but it will also give us more time to spend with the Lord.
We can still buy a few carefully chosen gifts for others to show them we care for them. There is nothing inherently wrong with presents. However, as believers, we need to remember that we have already received the greatest gift — salvation in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:15; Ephesians 2:8-9).
His gift of grace is worth more than any wrapped item under the tree. The gospel is the good news of salvation for us and for everyone.
2. Help Those in Need
Another way to simplify the Christmas season and not feel drowned in the commercialism promoted by the world is to consider what we can give away to help others in need.
Jesus told His disciples that “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). Individuals and families can examine the extra things they have and see what they can use to help others.
Also, many Christian ministries and organizations offer gifts you can purchase for people living in poverty and harsh conditions around the world, bringing them physical help while shining the light of Christ. These gifts can also serve a double purpose since you can give in honor of family and friends.
A few organizations to consider are Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, International Justice Mission, and World Vision, among many others.
Giving to bless others reflects the heart of Christmas. God the Father gave us His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16).
As Isaiah said in his prophecy about Jesus, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, emphasis added).
Giving from our possessions to lovingly assist those in need can serve as a reminder of Christ’s first coming since He came to save us.
3. Ask if a Tradition Draws You Closer to Christ
One of the reasons the Christmas season leaves so many people feeling worn out instead of refreshed and hopeful is that they try to fit too many things into their schedules.
Maybe we do not have to go to every holiday party we are invited to or spend an elaborate amount of time preparing and cooking a feast for each event.
When Martha sought to host a meal for Jesus, she became overwhelmed and anxious with all the preparations (Luke 10:40). In contrast, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teaching (Luke 10:39).
As Jesus told the stressed sister, “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41-42).
Martha was not wrong in seeking to fulfill practical needs, but she was trying to do too much and lost focus on the importance of spending time with Christ.
Like Martha, we need to reconsider our focus. Are the numerous events that we normally partake in during the Christmas season beneficial to our growth in Christ?
Does a tradition or activity draw us closer to our Lord? If not, then we might want to follow Mary’s example and forgo unneeded activities to instead sit at our Savior’s feet.
4. Celebrate Advent
When we celebrate Advent, we intentionally shift our focus away from the hustle and bustle to instead reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. The term “Advent” refers to Jesus’ first coming when He came into the world as an infant, born of a virgin (Matthew 1:21-25).
However, we also look forward to His second “Advent” or coming when He will return in glory to set up His kingdom (Matthew 24:30; Titus 2:13; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:6; 22:12).
Many churches participate in the season of Advent by lighting a candle each week leading up to Christmas. We can also get personally involved by taking the time to meditate on Scripture and read an Advent devotional.
There is a plethora of resources in various forms that can help us participate in Advent. Numerous devotional books exist, which include Bible passages and a devotional message for each day of Advent.
In addition to print resources, multiple online and email versions of Advent devotionals exist. YouVersion offers multiple Advent reading plans that people can access online or through their app.
In addition to daily devotionals, there are also Advent Bible readings that believers can follow during the Christmas season. Here on Christianity.com, there is a collection of Bible verses to read during Advent.
Also, multiple other websites, including those belonging to local churches, often have a daily Bible reading plan. Celebrating Advent can help us cultivate a simpler Christmas season focused on Jesus instead of the distractions of the world.
Why Does This Matter?
Although these are only a few ideas to lessen the stress of the holiday season, by simplifying our Christmas celebrations, we can marvel at the wonderful gift of Jesus coming into the world to save us from our sins.
While we look back at the miracle that occurred in the manger, we can also remember the biblical truth that Jesus is coming again soon. What He started in building the kingdom of God during His earthly ministry, He will finish at His Second Coming.
By reducing the number of presents we exchange with others, using our possessions to help others, being selective of what we agree to participate in, and deliberately celebrating Advent, we can make Christmas a little simpler. In so doing, we free ourselves from the clutter of busyness and materialism to instead worship and spend time with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
For further reading:
3 Ways to Keep Jesus at the Center of Your Christmas This Year
4 Ways How Your Children Can Love Both Jesus and Santa at Christmas
7 Ways to Celebrate Advent at Home as a Family
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/udra
Sophia Bricker is a freelance writer who enjoys researching and writing articles on biblical and theological topics. In addition to contributing articles about biblical questions as a contract writer, she has also written for Unlocked devotional. She holds a BA in Ministry, a MA in Ministry, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing to develop her writing craft. As someone who is passionate about the Bible and faith in Jesus, her mission is to help others learn about Christ and glorify Him in her writing. When she isn’t busy studying or writing, Sophia enjoys spending time with family, reading, drawing, and gardening.
